At some isolated point in Braspolis, Mark stood waiting with his arms crossed and a serious expression on his face. The deserted road stretched out horizontally, seemingly without a beginning or an end. A warm wind brushed against Mark's face, slightly ruffling his hair. As he glanced at his wristwatch (a very expensive brand, though unknown to Briana's family), the sound of an approaching car made Mark more alert. As he waited, a limousine pulled up near him. Several men in black got out and greeted him respectfully. "Lord Ferro!" "What's the situation?" Mark asked in a serious tone, fitting for someone who is the leader of the Army. "Inside are the wife and daughter of Agent 12, Lord Ferro," The driver, who seemed to be in charge of the mission, responded promptly. "Unfortunately, our agent is still in enemy hands. We are doing everything possible to rescue him unharmed." Mark nodded. He approached the limousine's rear door. There, a woman around 35 years old and a teenage

Briana's phone dialed Mark's number... Ring... ring... ring... That robotic lady answered in Mark's place: 'The number you have dialed is out of the coverage area or turned off. Please try again later.' Briana turned extremely pale, unable to utter a single word. It felt like she had swallowed beach sand! But even if she could still speak, WHAT would she say to her toxic parents? Sandro and Nadir exchanged glances, a mix of victory and disappointment on their faces. Victory because they felt they were right about Mark, the Pauper. Disappointment because they were once again humiliated by Gilson and Claudia! "He's not answering, is he?" "Dad, before you start—" "HE'S NOT ANSWERING, IS HE?" Sandro cut off his daughter, exploding finally. It didn't matter how, today he and Nadir were going to speak their minds! Enough, our daughter is living in a world of illusion! "I can't take this anymore!" Nadir suddenly stormed off to her room. After the door slammed shut, Sandro cont

Mark, still busy with the rescue of Agent 12, kept his phone turned off.After all, he had already given precise instructions to Linda Mattes.He didn’t want anyone to notice and track Briana’s call.If the enemy lines discovered that he was married...Linda, in the office where she monitored the situation, watched the scene with a frown. It was time to do something.“They won’t give up. I need to do what Lord Ferro instructed.” Linda picked up the phone.Meanwhile, at Sandro’s apartment, Briana seemed frozen in the living room.Where was her wedding dress?Mark had promised to take care of everything, but the truth was that he hadn’t kept her informed about any preparations.Luana returned from Briana’s room, this time no longer hiding her smirking smile.“There’s no wedding dress, is there?”“No.” Briana was forced to admit, gritting her teeth.“So there’s nothing more to discuss. Let’s go to your cousin’s wedding.” Luana didn’t suggest; her tone indicated an order.Briana scanned L

Briana clutched the phone as if she were strangling her own parents.But it wasn’t just them. She began to feel suspicion and displeasure at how Mark was handling the situation.Okay, he’s planning a surprise for her? But why did it have to be like this?Leaving the apartment unseen, leaving a note that didn’t explain anything, letting everyone think he’s hiding because he couldn’t honor the bet...Why did Mark have to make the bet in the first place?If Briana goes to Katrina and James’s wedding, isn’t she just asking to be further humiliated?Luana, once again trying to be the comforting friend, placed her hand on Briana’s right shoulder. “Friend, you have two choices: stay here in the apartment and stew over a marriage that was never meant to be, or go to your cousin’s wedding and honor the bet that your failed husband didn’t have the guts to.“At least you’ll show that you have honor. I’m sure that if you have a proper talk with your grandmother, she might even forgive you and rei

Althea softened her voice and spoke in a tone that reminded Briana of her childhood."Briana, please. At least this time, can we celebrate a family occasion? Forget that it's your cousin's wedding. Let's forget the animosities."Your parents are here and they're even getting along. I'm sure it will be good for you to take your mind off your problems for a bit.""And how do you know I'm going through problems?" Briana asked, not as convinced as Althea hoped."I'm not referring to that. We all go through problems." Althea quickly corrects herself. "Today I want the family gathered to celebrate an intimate occasion."Since Briana was already convinced, she gave a slight smile. "Okay, Grandma Althea. I'm coming, and I'm bringing Luana Barros with me.""Feel free to bring her along. See you soon."The two women say their goodbyes and hang up.Luana approaches Briana. "I called a taxi while you were talking to your dear grandmother.""Do you still want me to wear white?" Briana raises her e